Travel & Tourism

The northern village, caves, and medieval street named among the most beautiful places in the UK

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 17th May 2024

The most beautiful places in the UK have been named, with several spots up north elbowing their way onto the list.

From mystical caves in the Lake District to the Mediterranean-style architecture in… Wales… there are so many stunning places to explore on our doorstep.

Time Out’s list of the 15 most beautiful places in the UK, compiled by travel writers, has picked out ‘pinch-me’ destinations across the nation.

Several of the places chosen are within a couple of hours’ drive of Manchester, too, so you really don’t have far to go to seek out the very best of the British isles.

One spot that was well-deserving of a mention is Portmeirion, a popular village in North Wales that’s famous for its colourful architecture.

The village is the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was inspired by the Mediterranean, which is plain to see in the colourful buildings and palm trees jutting out from an otherwise very British scene,

The tourist hotspot completed in 1975 and Time Out says it’s ‘like something out of a dream’.

Portmeirion village in North Wales has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Credit: Unsplash Karen Cann
Portmeirion village in North Wales has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Credit: Unsplash Karen Cann
Shambles in York. Credit: Unsplash, Karl Moran
Shambles in York. Credit: Unsplash, Karl Moran

The guide said: “This unique tourist village has established itself as the most romantic spot in north Wales. 

“Of course, it certainly helps if it comes with Italianate architecture, colourful facades and an unforgettable sense of romance. How could you not fall for Portmeirion?”

Another spot in the north of England that has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK is Rydal Caves, tucked in the heart of the Lake District.

Now us Mancs know that nowhere in the country can compare to the majestic scenes right across the national park, but there is something really special about the dramatic cave system.

Located right between Grasmere and Ambleside, they’re accessible in just a 15 minute walk from the nearest car park.

Rydal Caves in the Lake District made Time Out's list of the Most Beautiful Places. Credit: Unsplash, Jonny Gios
Rydal Caves in the Lake District made Time Out’s list of the Most Beautiful Places. Credit: Unsplash, Jonny Gios

You can leap across stepping stones all the way to the back of the cave, then look back out at the surrounding woodland through the cave’s huge entrance.

This spot was chosen by Netflix for scenes of the second season of The Witcher – told you it was magical.

Over in Yorkshire (and it’s a surprise to no one to see this on the list), is The Shambles in York.

The well-preserved medieval street features ramshackle buildings, cobbled street, and quaint little shops, and again looks like something straight out of a storybook.

Skipping over its gory past, Time Out said: “There are few easier, more atmospheric ways to transport yourself back hundreds of years (without the iffy smells and sights) than a stroll down Shambles.”

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Featured image: Unsplash

Travel & Tourism

Fontaines D.C. at Wythenshawe Park – tickets, times, supports, setlist and everything you need to know

Danny Jones Danny Jones Fontaines D.C. at Wythenshawe Park gig guide tickets times setlist

Besides Oasis’ glorious Heaton Park homecoming, the two biggest headline gigs in Greater Manchester are happening this weekend, with Fontaines D.C. kicking off Live From Wythenshawe Park 2025 this Friday, 15 August.

The Irish giants are bringing their now global, groundbreaking and critically acclaimed musical exports to Manchester for the second time in less than a year, only this will be their biggest gig in this city to date.

Fontaines last visited Manchester back in November as one of the biggest rock, indie and alternative bands to play Aviva Studios, home of Factory International; it’s fair to say it was a stormer.

And now scenes like THIS are set to be scaled up to a field full of Mancs and tourists alike, so it’s best to know what you’re in for…

Fontaines D.C. at Wythenshawe Park – all the important info

Fontaines Wythenshawe Park tickets: are there any left?

For starters, if you’re wondering whether there are tickets left for Fontaines at Wythenshawe Park, we’re afraid to inform you that general admission unfortunately sold out in a flash.

There are still VIP options available via Ticketmaster if you fancy treating yourself, but they will set you back a pretty penny.

Of course, you can always keep your eyes out via trusted resale sites like Twickets and TicketSwap, but as always, proceed with caution – let’s help the kick touts out of the music industry.

Who is supporting Fontaines in Manchester?

We’ll confess, one of the things we’re most excited about ahead of the Dublin County icons returning to 0161 is the lineup of supports booked for Fontaines D.C. at Wythenshawe Park.

There are no warm-ups; we would and have already happily paid full whack to see some of these supports headline both here in Manchester and around the North.

Not only will fans be getting to see fellow Irish post-punk band The Murder Capital kick off the live music proceedings, but Leeds’ very own Mercury Prize-winning English Teacher will be following them up, before Gaelic rap trio, Kneecap from Northern Ireland, really ramp up the energy.

There’s even going to be DJ sets from So Young record label and magazine, as well as none other than The Stone Roses’ Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield.

Kneecap announce UK tour with multiple northern tour dates

Stage times for Fontaines at Wythenshawe Park?

Fortunately, the DC boys have also made things nice and simple when it comes to stage times, too, with a full running order for each artist’s set already published.

They are as follows:

  • The Murder Capital – 16:25
  • English Teacher – 17:35
  • Kneecap – 18:50
  • Fontaines D.C. – 20:30

Doors to the massive outdoor Wythenshawe music venue will be open from 4pm, and the aforementioned DJ sets will be played in between each of the support acts, before the main event gets underway slightly earlier than most other headliners.

We simply CANNOT wait.

fontaines dc outdoor gig manchester
Credit: Audio North

Fontaines D.C. live 20525 tour setlist

As for what the lads will be playing, an added bonus of their ongoing world tour is that it’s given us plenty of time to get to grips with the current Fontaines setlist – or at least the bulk of it.

This is based on their last big standout headline show at Cardiff Castle in Wales (courtesy of Setlist.fm).

  1. Starburster / In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)
  2. Here’s the Thing
  3. Jackie Down the Line
  4. Boys in the Better Land
  5. Televised Mind
  6. Roman Holiday
  7. It’s Amazing to Be Young
  8. Big Shot
  9. Death Kink
  10. A Hero’s Death
  11. Before You I Just Forget
  12. Horseness Is the Whatness
  13. Big
  14. Nabokov
  15. Desire
  16. Bug
  17. Favourite

Encore:

  • Romance
  • In the Modern World
  • I Love You
  • Starburster

However, they did throw in a few surprises down at Finsbury Park in London, so who knows? Maybe they’ll play something special.

Everyone has their own personal favourites.

Travel guide: how to get to Wythenshawe Park

Last but not least, there’s just the small matter of getting there. While we’d always recommend travelling as green as possible/using public transport where you can, there are still some car park tickets that you can buy online from the Live From Wythenshawe website.

As for those of you catching a ride, there is yellow signage to the north of the site, which will lead you to the pick-up/drop-off point on Wythenshawe Road, M23 0AB.

There are also three tram stops to choose from: Wythenshawe Park, Moor Road and Baguley. However, it’s worth noting that both Wythenshawe Park and Baguley will be closed from 9pm, so you won’t be able to get back home this way.

Big Green Coaches travelling to the gigs will also be available from various locations.

Finally, you can always catch one of the shuttle buses back into the city centre. The service will be operating in a loop from Sale and the city centre, running from 1-8pm on the way to Wythenshawe Park and then from 8pm-1:30am when heading home.

For more information, you can find all the up-to-date travel stuff HERE or check out (TfGM) Transport for Greater Manchester’s guidance and even use their interactive map.

Simplest of all, your best bet is downloading the Bee Network app, where you’ll find all the key details in one convenient place.

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We also want to remind everyone to get there with plenty of time to avoid queuing and congestion on public transport in and around Greater Manchester.

Last but not least, make sure to mind the weather, drink plenty of water, look after each other and, above all else, have an absolute belter.

See you in the pit for ‘Here’s The Thing.’

Oh, and if you’re booked in for a double bill at Wythenshawe Park this weekend, you’ll find all you need to know for Sam Fender‘s headline show on the following Saturday down below.

Sam Fender – Live From Wythenshawe Park, Manchester: tickets, times, supports and more

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press Shots (supplied)

Travel & Tourism

There’s a farm in the Peak District where you can go on a Highland Cow safari and even cuddle them

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Highland Cows of the Peak Experiences

There’s a farm up in the Peak District where you can get hands-on with Highland cows, even brushing out their fluffy fringes.

Highland Cows of the Peak Experiences at Whirlow Hall Farm has loads of activities for all ages, from Highland Cow safaris to cow cuddling.

This working farm is home to a herd of fluffy cows, who graze in beautiful pastures in the hills above Sheffield.

On a visit to the farm, you can learn more about this hardy (and very cute) breed, including their hierarchies, their family bonds, and plenty more.

Visitors have the chance to get hands-on with the Highland Cows, grooming the younger cattle and feeling their magnificent horns.

The Highland Cow Safari sees visitors towed around the farm in an open-top trailer towed by a vintage tractor, observing both Peak District views and the Highland coos.

Then you can jump into the pastures with the cattle on a Meadow Moo-ch, wandering amongst the beautiful animals with their long shaggy coats and flowing fringes (dossens).

It’s over to the barn next, where you can meet, pet, and groom some of the younger highland coos during the Highland Calf Hands-On Experience.

Highland Cows of the Peak Experiences
The Highland Cow safari in the Peak District
Highland Cows of the Peak Experiences
The Highland Cow safari in the Peak District
Highland Cow meet and greet
Highland Cow meet and greet
A Meadow Moo-ch, meeting Highland Cows in the Peak District
A Meadow Moo-ch
See the farm animals up close
See the farm animals up close
See the Highland Cows in the Peak District
See the Highland Cows in the Peak District
Grooming the Highland Cows
Grooming the Highland Cows

And, cows permitting, there’s a chance to do some Highland Cow Cuddling.

Once you’ve had enough of the Highland Cows (as if that could ever happen), there’s a vineyard up here in the Peak District, and wine produced from the grapes is sold in the farm shop.

You can even get married here, in a huge barn on site.

You can find out more about the Highland Cows of the Peak Experiences HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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